When Fashion Meets Philanthropy: How Kelly Fennelly Is Changing Lives

About this episode

Kelly Fennelly discusses how her personal experiences led to the creation of a charity that empowers women in crisis.

In this episode of Getting to the Heart, I sit down with Kelly Fennelly—founder of the Little Black Dress Party (LBDP)—to talk about resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary ways one woman’s courage can ripple out to change lives. Kelly’s own devastating divorce brought her face-to-face with the financial and legal barriers that keep so many women stuck in unsafe or unhealthy marriages. Instead of letting that experience define her, she transformed her pain into purpose. That decision gave rise to The Little Black Dress Party—a high-energy charity that blends fashion, fun, and philanthropy to raise funds for women in crisis. Through our conversation, three truths stood out: Purpose can be born from pain. Kelly’s story reminds us that even the hardest chapters can open the door to meaningful new beginnings. Community is medicine. The Little Black Dress Party is more than an evening out—it’s a gathering that creates joy, connection, and real support for women in need. Empowerment is contagious. As Kelly has lifted others, she’s been transformed herself—and her vision continues to inspire more women to reclaim their lives. The Benevolent Fund born from these events now…

People in this episode

Host: Michele Heffron

Guest: Kelly Fennelly

Topics covered

• philanthropy
• resilience
• women empowerment
• divorce
• community support

Keywords

• philanthropy
• Little Black Dress Party
• women empowerment
• divorce
• community support
• Benevolent Fund
• resilience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Little Black Dress Party, The Benevolent Fund

More episodes of Getting to the Heart - Life, Relationships, Divorce

• The Invisible Divorce: Katie Rössler on How Perimenopause Quietly Reshapes Relationships Before Anyone Notices · May 3, 2026 · 32 min
• Before She Said I Do: Jojy on Arranged Marriage, Divorce, and Calling In Real Love · March 22, 2026 · 34 min
• Could It Be Better? Moving from Knowing to Doing with Cher Anderton · February 15, 2026 · 33 min
• From Corporate VP to Naturopath: Why Success Should Feel Good, Not Just Look Good · February 2, 2026 · 36 min
• The Magic of Yes: Opening a Closed Heart with Lori Pappas Part II · January 21, 2026 · 51 min
• Brave Enough to Begin Again with Karen Rae · November 24, 2025 · 41 min